Incident Overview
On 11 April 1998 at 1550 UTC, a Piper PA-34-200T (registration G-CHEM) was engaged in a public transport positioning flight from London Gatwick to Stapleford Tawney Aerodrome, Essex. The aircraft, manufactured in 1981 and powered by two Continental LTSIO-360-EB1 piston engines, was under the command of a 33-year-old pilot holding an Airline Transport Pilot's Licence with Flying Instructor Rating, who had 2,200 total flying hours (650 on type). The handling pilot, seated in the left seat, held a Commercial Pilot's Licence with Instrument Rating and had 569 hours total (58 on type). The handling pilot had just completed a final line check on the aircraft during the previous sector, supervised by the commander.
Approach and Landing
The aircraft made a normal approach to the grass Runway 04L, which was wet and muddy with a downhill slope of almost 2%. Both pilots were certain that the landing gear had been correctly selected down and that three green light indications were obtained. The pilot intended to keep the landing reasonably short due to the runway conditions. During the short final approach, unexpected sink was experienced, leading to a slightly premature touchdown in a somewhat flatter than usual attitude.
Gear Collapse and Aftermath
Upon touchdown, the nose landing gear retracted, causing the aircraft to pitch down onto its nose and bringing both propellers into contact with the ground. The aircraft slid to a halt, and the pilots made it safe before vacating via the normal exit. Subsequent engineering inspection has not, to date, found any abnormality that could explain the failure of the nose landing gear downlock mechanism.
Weather Conditions
The pilot reported the surface wind on landing as from 360° at 20 kt. An aftercast from the Meteorological Office indicated the surface wind was from 360° at 15 kt, with gusts of 25 to 30 kt.
Damage and Injuries
Damage was limited to the nose landing gear and both propellers. Neither of the two crew members sustained injuries.
Investigation
The information for this report was derived from an Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot. No probable cause was stated in the source.